The First Signs of AlcoholismWhy it's Important to Know

It is important to catch alcoholism early and do something about it. Why? Because it destroys people physically, mentally and emotionally. On top of this it does immeasurable damage to those around the alcoholic.

Unfortunately due to alcoholism denial, a common characteristic of the alcohol dependent, it is an uphill struggle to get help to an alcoholic in the early stages of the disease.

When trying to identify whether you or someone you care about is displaying the first signs of alcoholism, it is important to know the difference between alcoholism warning signs and problem drinking. (for a more detailed discussion of the difference between the two, read drinking problems)

First Signs of AlcoholismProblem Drinking vs. Alcoholism

Both alcoholism and problem drinking are damaging. Damaging to your health, both physical and mental, and damaging to those who care about you.

However, although alcoholism is most definitely problem drinking, problem drinking is not necessarily alcoholism.

Confused? Let me explain.....

PROBLEM DRINKINGIf you have a problem with drinking (you abuse alcohol) it means that you use alcohol in such a way that it is harmful to you.

What I mean by this is that the way you use (abuse) it harms you in some way. It could be affecting....

Your physical health

Your mental health

You relationships

Your job

....and yet you continue to drink despite these problems.

These are NOT the first signs of alcoholism but signs that you have a problem with drinking.

Although problem drinking may lead to alcoholism it is not alcoholism.

The Early Signs of AlcoholismWhat are they?

There are three stages of alcoholism.

The first signs of alcoholism become apparent in the first stage of alcoholism.

FIRST SIGNS OF ALCOHOLISM:

The individual....

....no longer uses drink socially. They may drink alone.

....uses drink as a means to deal with their emotional problems. They may also use it to make themselves 'feel' happy.

....sees their tolerance for alcohol increase. They can drink considerably more than their friends.

....does not appear to be drunk although they have consumed a lot of alcohol.

....does not appear to suffer from the ill-effects of drinking too much. No hangovers or the like.

....might start to lie about how much and how often they drink.

....becomes defensive when questioned about drinking habits.

The person in the first stage of alcoholism is often a functional alcoholic. He/she shows no outward signs of being addicted to drink, continuing to function as if everything is fine.

The First Signs of AlcoholismWhat to Do?

If you suspect that you or someone you care about is showing the first symptoms of alcoholism then it is important you try and get help.

Some of the possible avenues you can explore include:

Attend Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings. This seen by many as the one and only way to get sober. It is effective, but only for a small minority.
Despite popular belief, it is estimated that only a tiny minority actually succeed using this method. Recent research has shown that only 5% of alcohol dependents actually remain sober for three or more years using the 12 steps (the main philosophy behind Alcoholics Anonymous’ approach). However do not discount it until you have tried it. For more on their approach read Stop Drinking Alcohol With AA.

The Sinclair Method. The Sinclair Method, using the medication Natlrexone, has a far better success rate than AA. It has been shown to be effective in over 78% of cases
(Read Results with Naltrexone and Nalmefene: Clinical Trials and Reviews for more on research into Naltrexone and its effectiveness when used to combat alcohol dependency). It is interesting that little is known of this method despite it seeming to be the best treatment for alcoholism available, some say that this is due to vested interests in the addiction treatment industry working against any innovation that might damage their business. Go to The Sinclair Method to learn more about this breakthrough.

Self-help. There are a lot of resources that claim to be able to help you deal with your drinking. A lot of them are ineffective and offer false hope. There is one I have come across that offers alcoholics and problem drinkers a way out (if they are prepared to work hard at overcoming their problems). How To Give Up Alcohol gives alcohol dependents the tools to quit drinking without AA. For those problem/binge drinkers who do not want to give up alcohol, it provides a way for you to return to moderate drinking by showing how you can control your alcohol intake with a little bit of planning and a lot of perseverance. Although a bit on the expensive side, this e-book is a fraction of the cost of a treatment center,and anyway you can’t really put a price on reclaiming your life from alcohol.

Treatment Centers. A treatment center is a great place to get sober. There are, however, a couple of downsides to this form of getting sober. The first is that a stay in a treatment center is fearsomely expensive. If you have insurance then this is not a problem, if you don’t then the cost may well be too much (some centers can cost up to 40,000 dollars for an eight week stay!) The second problem is that most treatment centers (about 90%) follow the 12 step method of alcohol treatment to the letter. If you find it hard to stomach the 12 step program, then a treatment center may not be for you. Read Alcohol Addiction Recovery for more on alcohol treatment centers.

Baclofen. There are many who have managed to defeat their drinking problems by taking the drug baclofen, which is licensed to be used in the treatment of the spasticity associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. Although not licensed for the treatment of alcohol dependency, those who have tried it swear by it. Dr. Amiesen, a French cardiologist stumbled on baclofen’s potential for treating alcoholism when struggling with his anxiety and alcohol dependence. One of the great advantages of using baclofen is that abstention from alcohol is not necessary. In fact continuing to drink is an essential part of the treatment. Intrigued? Read Baclofen And Alcohol for more on this form of alcoholism treatment.

Other Treatments. There are countless ways of treating problem drinking. We have gathered what we consider the best and put them on one page, for more read Alcohol Treatment Programs.

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877-322-2694

Free Expert Advice Available Now

Speak with an addiction specialist 24/7

Confidentially guaranteed

Discuss your treatment options

877-322-2694

Another option is to go to a counselor. Debbie Morrow, who works with The Alcoholism Guide, has extensive experience advising clients with drinking problems on the treatment options open to them. If you would like to schedule a free consultation with her, fill out this questionnaire.

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Deborah Morrow, M.S. Addiction Psychology, is the director of treatment programs for The Alcoholism Guide website. In her practice, Deborah provides on-line coaching and support for those dependent on alcohol or who require other services such as relapse prevention or court mandated services. (Read More)